The Fade Haircut Bible: A Guide to Perfecting Your Fade Style

How many flairs to a fade haircut are there? The fittest answer would be – an unlimited number. In case you have been considering spicing your everyday style with a mens haircut, you may as well take a pick at the trendiest fade looks that 2025 brings. There is a suitable option for each and every one of you. We can promise you that much!

What Is A Fade Haircut?

Before you decide to test any of the existing boys haircuts, you must realize what it is all about. In terms of a fade, it can be described as a cut with a shorter back and sides and quite an extended top. There are different types of fade to experiment with, so you can attune the style to your personal needs and preferences in no time. Keep in mind that the length of the top varies too. In case it feels like you would want to give the style a try, consider the following points before you head to the barber’s.

• Pick the layer – low, mid, or high fade.
• Choose the top length – short, medium, or long.
• Decide on the everyday style – textured, messy, straight, something individual.
• Evaluate your everyday style – formal or casual?

Once you have all the answers at hand, you can book a visit at your hairdresser’s immediately.

The Different Types of Fade Haircuts

Low Fade

As you already know, there is more than a single fade level to choose from. It happens so that a low fade haircut is one of the most frequently picked variations, and there is more than one reason for that. The thing is that a low fade starts above the ears and goes down in length toward the nape. Thus, the style is easily implemented into any style and pairs well with every hair texture. Not to mention that the number of options to style the cut is nearly unlimited.

Medium Fade

Another fade choice is a mid fade haircut. The medium fade is sometimes described as a regular fade, the classiest variant. The medium fade starts higher than a low one, at least an inch above the ears. The haircut is impressively neat and brings more definition to your face. Considering the countless top variants, you can pull off a plethora of trendy looks with the cut.

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High Fade

A high fade haircut is slightly edgier than the mid and low fade. It starts below the temples and suits those who want to succeed with a dramatic look or emphasize the stylish top. In case you wonder which styles the cut fits best, we would name anything with cropped hair, but there are no boundaries you can’t push.

Skin Fade

On top of the three primary fade levels, there are additional choices to keep in mind, and a skin fade haircut belongs to the list. As you may have already guessed, the name implies that a part of your head is shaved right to the skin. Usually, it is done with the help of a foil shaver or a straight razor. With the skin fade, it is possible to implement either of the three primal fades into the mix. The cut may start as a skin fade and seamlessly transition into a low, mid, or high fade.

Taper Fade

There is yet another subcategory of fades – taper fade haircut. The primary element of the style is how it is cut. In the case of a taper fade, there is no such obvious and quite dramatic transition to notice. The hair is neatly clipped without getting too short.

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Drop Fade

With a drop fade haircut, you get a very interesting profile. The hair on the sides is trimmed so that it looks as if it drops behind the ear. As such, you have a longer top and a slightly shorter back, which allows you to style your men fade haircut in a myriad of different ways.

Burst Fade

While a burst fade haircut is a bit similar to a drop fade, there is still quite a telling difference. Burst fades for men are cut at a similar distance from your ear, creating a curved pattern, yet they do not drop behind it. They also allow pretty much hair on top, with the back being a little longer than in the drop fade.

Temp Fade

Temp mens fades start very high on your head – at your temple area, hence the name. Because of that, this type of fade haircuts for men allows you to create a high contrast look. For more emphasis, it is often combined with skin fade haircuts on the sides. The look turns out incredibly edgy and sharp.

Undercut Fade

A long fade haircut pairs pretty well with an undercut haircut. Because of the long top, you will unlikely be able to blend the hair on the sides into the crown. That is why it is a good idea to create a steep transition and only then fade the hair into the scalp.

Hairstyles With A Fade Haircut

To ensure that your fade always looks cool, the most important thing is not the perfect technique, but to perform the correct analysis of the bone structure before starting work. If you choose the right fade height, your silhouette will be harmonious. And the fade will look perfect on your client’s head.

 Below, we have put together the best of them for your inspiration.

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Choppy Mullet Fade

If you have not heard yet, a mullet haircut is back in style. However, it is not exactly the same as its counterpart. The top and the back should not be as long as in the original look and the sides can be faded. The best fade with long hair on top and back like this is a burst fade and a drop fade.

Crop Top Fade

For short hair fade is a great way to create extra contrast and structure. If you have something like a crop top, then you should definitely get the sides faded. Not only does your top appear more pronounced like this, but the haircut generally becomes low maintenance.

Quiffed Fade

Beauty comes in simplicity. The rule applies to fade cuts as well. All it takes is a longer fringe and neatly faded sides to create an impressive brush-up. It may take a few more minutes in the morning to fix the look, but the effect is always worth it. Moreover, you can always spray some styling product before you dry your mane, and a regular blow-out will transform into a finished brushed-up look.

When we create a quiff style haircut, the most important thing is to make a square plane with an extension towards the face. We start cutting from the back of the head. This way we have more control over the shape we create. We must cut from cut hair to uncut hair.

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Clean Low Taper Fade

One of the greatest advantages of a low taper fade haircut is its versatility—it pairs well with any hair length on top, even shorter styles. Plus, it doesn’t just add a sharp, contrasting edge to your look but also keeps maintenance to a minimum. It’s a win-win!

Pompadour Fade

A pompadour is a classic haircut that is timeless. However, if you want to give it a trendy feel, enhance the look with one of fade hairstyles. The type of fade is up to you and your preferences. Yet, as a rule of thumb, the bolder the look you want to get, the higher the fade should start.

Buzz Cut Fade

Now that you are fully aware of all the fades in fashion, it is time to discuss how they match different hair textures and styles. As you can see, a stylish buzz cut fade haircut is all you need to emphasize your straight top. The sleek transition between the top and the back and sides creates that necessary emphasis centered on the texture. Throw in a little styling product; the dimensions will amaze you!

Burst Fade Faux Hawk

The burst fade faux hawk is a bold and modern choice that blends flair with versatility. It works perfectly with various hair lengths on top, creating a standout look with its sharp, tapered sides and textured center.

Long Hair Fade

Some people may find quiff a little too boring as there is no room for drama. However, it takes as much as a mens fade haircut to introduce all the edginess and sass you seek into the look. Keep in mind the higher the fade is the more daring the style will appear. Besides, pairing the cut with a full-on beard is a great way to add some dramatic flair to the mix.

Mohawk Fade

You cannot imagine a modern mohawk without a fade. Of course, if you actually belong to the punk subculture, you may shave your hair on the sides bald for a more authentic look. But if not, team a fade with long hair on top.

Comb Over Fade

How to draw even more attention to your impeccable hairstyle on top? To emphasize it with a fade, of course. A comb over may benefit greatly when it is teamed with a fade on the sides and back. If you are not afraid to stand out in the crowd, consider a high skin fade comb over.

High Top Fade

Like we said before, a short hair fade takes your top to center stage. And if it is already quite prominent, you will end up with an incredibly impactful and edgy hair look. A high top fade is anything but boring. Plus, it helps you to make your face visually more elongated and chiseled.

High & Bald Military

The high bald fade military haircut is a clean, sharp, and no-nonsense style. With its high fade and smooth, bald sides, it gives a fresh, polished look that exudes confidence.

Wavy Textured Cut

Is a relaxed yet stylish look that balances volume and texture on top with clean, faded sides. The natural waves create movement and depth, while the fade adds a sharp contrast to the overall style.

Shadow Fade

Not a fan of the idea to take off much hair from your head? No problem. This is when shadow fade short hairstyles for men come into play. Because they are low key and quite reserved, they are a failsafe option for a professional environment. Yet, they also look cool in any other situation.

Scissors Fade

As neat and elegant as a low taper fade haircut can be, some men medium hairstyles may need a little more customized feel. Should you belong to the category, we suggest you opt for a scissors fade. The intricacy of the cutting technique will attune the style to your personal needs and preferences precisely.

Side Parted Fade Cut

In case you don’t know, side-parted cuts are currently on the verge of popularity. The reasons are many, but that seamless sophistication that the cut brings in can’t be underrated. Yet, to emphasize the top, there is little better than a skillful taper low fade haircut. The killer combo will make heads turn as you pass by.

Swept Back  Mid Taper Fade

You can never go wrong with a classic mid taper fade haircut. Its versatility makes it a perfect match for a wide range of styles on top, allowing you to choose a look that suits your personal taste. Plus, it’s designed to complement your face shape and work seamlessly with your hair type, ensuring a flattering and tailored appearance every time.

Messy Hair On Top

Messy hair on top is the perfect blend of relaxed and stylish. The textured, tousled look on top adds volume and effortless appeal, while the fade on the sides sharpens the overall style.

Bald Fade With Spikes

The bald fade with spikes is a bold, edgy style that’s sure to turn heads. The sharp, clean fade on the sides contrasts perfectly with the spiked texture on top, giving the haircut a dynamic, high-energy look.

Curly Hair Drop Fade

The curly drop fade with a design is a standout style that combines texture and creativity. The drop fade gently curves around the ear and neckline, creating a smooth, gradual transition from the longer curls on top to the faded sides. Adding a custom design or pattern etched into the fade gives this haircut a unique edge, allowing you to express your personality while keeping the look fresh and modern.

Afro Temple Skin Fade

The Afro temple skin fade is a clean, sharp cut that highlights natural curls while offering a fresh, polished finish.

How to Ask the Barber for a Fade Haircut?

It may bother you how to ask for a fade haircut for men. The answer to that is simpler than you could have initially assumed. Since you have an example of the cut you desire in mind, you can share your thoughts and preferences with the barber. When a professional is aware of the top length, styling ideas, and fade level, they will advise you on whether the look suits your face shape and lifestyle in particular. Besides, having a picture of a wanted look on you is never a waste. Lastly, should the expert suggest that the look isn’t the best for you, you may want to listen to a professional opinion. Though the chances with a fade are slim, the style is flattering to most.

How To Do A Fade Cut Yourself

Sometimes men can try and give themselves a bald fade haircut on their own. Should you belong to the category, you may want to follow these simple steps to succeed with an ideal outcome.

1. Consider where you would like the fade line to start.
2. Decide on your preferred shorter or longer fade and set the fitting guard size.
3. Trim the hair, moving your clippers up the sides and back. Start at the bottom and move up. Always.
4. Change the guards to fade nicely and blend your hair length. There should be only natural transitions without any parts that stand out too much.
5. Don’t go higher than your temples.
6. Use your clippers and comb to blend the fade and the rest of the hair. Run your clippers over the comb to balance the right length.
7. Trim your hairline and neckline with trimmers.

A word of advice – moderation is the key, you can always go shorter, but there is no turning back if you cut too much too soon.

FAQs: Fade Haircut